DETROIT - Most major automakers reported U.S. sales gains last month as stronger employment figures and consumer confidence drove the auto industry to its best March in 16 years.

But the sales growth rate appeared to be slowing as brisk SUV and truck sales barely offset falling car sales. Some automakers had to raise discounts on cars or peddle more of them to rental companies. That could mean better deals for car buyers down the road.

SUVs, trucks

Overall, U.S. sales rose 3.2 percent to 1.59 million, the best March since 2000, according to Kelley Blue Book. But the growth was only about half of last year's 6 percent increase. Car sales dropped 6 percent, while SUVs and trucks were up 11 percent, according to Autodata Corp.

The sales figures, coupled with Friday's announcement that U.S. employers added 215,000 jobs in March, showed that the economy remained healthy despite stock market turmoil.

Nissan sales were up 13 percent, hitting a record for any month in its history. At Fiat Chrysler and Ford, sales rose 8 percent, while they grew 0.9 percent at General Motors. Honda reported a 9 percent increase fueled largely by the all-new Civic compact, and SUVs. Hyundai sales rose just 0.4 percent, but it was enough to set a record for monthly sales.

Ford and Fiat Chrysler posted their best March numbers in a decade. General Motors, which has been cutting sales to rental car companies, said its retail sales to individual buyers rose 6 percent.